2021 Football Opponent Quick-Hitter: Texas Tech

Opponent: Texas Tech

Nickname: Red Raiders

Kickoff: November 27th

Location: McLane Stadium

Conference: Big 12

Head Coach: Matt Wells (entering third year)

Last Year’s Record: 4-6

Notable Outcomes: Lost to Texas, 63-56 in overtime; beat Baylor 24-23; lost to Oklahoma State, 50-44

Key Losses: Alan Bowman, QB; Jack Anderson, OL; Zech McPhearson, CB

Strength: Offensive line. Texas Tech returns four of five starting offensive lineman, only losing right guard Jack Anderson to the NFL. The Red Raiders also added offensive line transfer T.J. Storment from TCU, who was second team all-Big 12. Tech’s offensive line play should provide opportunities for their playmakers if they can take advantage of them.

Weakness: Secondary. Texas Tech only returns one starter in the secondary (safety Eric Monroe). They also lost Zech McPhearson who was an all-Big 12 first team cornerback that had four interceptions last season. The Red Raiders should have some instant impact at safety, however, from Duke transfer Marquis Waters.

Way Too Early Prediction: This game is a meeting between two teams trying to define themselves after disappointing 2020 seasons. The Red Raiders have a chance to make big steps forward if they can find quarterback stability to complement their experienced offensive line. However, they will also need to continue to build off of the defensive improvements they saw in 2020. Somewhat inversely, Baylor’s figures to be strong defensively and the questions are centered on the offense. I have been banking on at least marginal improvements offensively for Baylor throughout these previews. If that ends up being the case, Baylor should be able to take down the Red Raiders after a razer-thin loss last season.

31-20 Baylor